Master Gardener: 12 trees for the nature lover on your gift-giving list

During the hustle and bustle of the holidays, we sometimes forget the best gifts are those that keep on giving. Whether its donating to a favorite charity or handcrafting a special something for a loved one, those are the gifts that really tug on the heart-strings. But if you looking for a unique gift that gives back, plant a tree.

Trees not only provide us with beauty, they provide our environment with fresh oxygen, shade that can reduce cooling costs and an aesthetic value to our yard that can be enjoyed by wildlife and people.

While wrapping up an actual, live tree might be a bit hard and very impractical, you can always visit a local nursery and pick up a gift certificate; just dont forget to include this list of 12 trees to plant.

1 Golden Raintree

(Koelreuteria paniculata)

The persistent showy pods and attractive summer flowers make this a stand-out tree in the landscape. The medium height (30-40 feet) and the large, yellow flowers in June-July, followed by the showy pods, help this tree live up to its name. When its in bloom, it looks like its raining gold.

2 Columnar English Oak

(Quercus robur Fastigata)

The upright, columnar growth of 50-60 feet and the narrow width of 10-15 feet make this a great tree for tight spaces. The rounded, blueish-green leaves turn yellow/brown in the fall and persist throughout the winter, providing excellent winter interest.

3 Chinkapin Oak

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Master Gardener: 12 trees for the nature lover on your gift-giving list